While the state of Oregon produces just 3-5 players a year for Division I football it is crucial to get the top in-state talent for a variety of reasons.

One of those reasons is hometown pride. The whole state can get behind a football team with homegrown talent. Second, if all of the in-state recruits are coming to Oregon State then that shows the out of state recruits that OSU is the place to go as opposed to the University of Oregon.

Thirdly, the in-state recruits team pride runs a little deeper since they are representing their school and their state - they work a little harder and may have a little more to prove. Plus, the Beavers have had a tremendous amount of success with players from Oregon as most of the school's records are held by Oregonians.

The biggest issue the staff goes up against in Oregon is competing with the Ducks for recruits and other more prestigious teams who try to coax star recruits to play ball outside of their home state.

• C Chris Gibson (Roseburg HS) - All-American, first team All-Pac-10 pick
• QB Derek Anderson (Scappoose HS) - School's all-time passing leader, All-Pac-10 pick and NFL quarterback
• WR Mike Hass (Jesuit HS) - School's all-time receiving leader, All American and NFL receiver
• S Mitch Meeuwsen (Forest Grove HS) - All-American, school's all time interception leader
• DE Bill Swancutt (Sprague HS) - 2004 Morris Trophy Winner and NFL defensive end